ABQ Times

Mayor Tim Keller of Albuquerque has unveiled a new public dashboard to monitor threats to city resources and the actions being taken to address them. This initiative comes in response to threats from the Trump administration to cut funding for local governments and essential services. The dashboard aims to ensure transparency and provide real-time updates on impacted programs and the City's countermeasures.

"Cities are once again in the crosshairs of Trump’s reckless cuts, but we are not backing down," stated Mayor Tim Keller. "Our new dashboard will show exactly what’s at stake, from law enforcement funding to programs for seniors and children, and how we’re fighting back to protect our community. We are making it clear that Albuquerque will not stand by while Washington tries to tear apart the services our families depend on."

The dashboard will be accessible on the City’s website and will provide updates on funding at risk and actions to mitigate damage, including securing alternative funding, legal challenges, and collaborations with state and county partners.

One highlighted threat involves a Department of Justice memo from February 5, which intends to limit funding to immigrant-friendly communities. This could heavily impact public safety, risking over 50 police officer positions and other resources critical for investigations and community safety.

Albuquerque is facing potential cuts of more than $200 million from over 100 grants. These cuts could affect fundamental areas such as public safety, early childhood and family services, infrastructure projects, and senior and community support.

Infrastructure projects like transit and housing initiatives, critical for sustainable urban development, also face potential threats. In one instance, the Senior Affairs Department received a letter threatening to revoke AmeriCorps funding unless certain terminology was removed from its programming. The department quickly complied, preserving opportunities for 800 seniors.

The City plans to counter these threats by ramping up legal actions against unjust cuts, seeking state and county emergency funds, and collaborating with partners from various sectors to reallocate resources for essential programs.

Further details and access to the dashboard are available on the City’s website.